Social Security Amendment (Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment) 2023

# Social Security Amendment (Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment) 2023 ## What it does This bill makes it easier for certain people to get the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) when disasters strike. It expands who's eligible by letting the Minister set custom eligibility rules for different disasters, and it changes how much money carers with children get during these events. ## Why it matters When floods, bushfires or other major disasters hit, people need quick financial support. These changes mean more people—including some visa holders and those who haven't been in Australia as long—could qualify for emergency payments when they need them most. ## Key details - **New eligibility pathway**: The Minister can now create tailored eligibility rules for specific disasters, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. This means someone might qualify for one disaster but not another, depending on the circumstances. - **Who can now apply**: Special category visa holders (certain temporary visa holders, mainly New Zealanders) can now get the payment if they meet the Minister's eligibility criteria. - **Payments for carers with kids**: Carers looking after children during a disaster now get payment based on how many children they're caring for on the first day of the disaster—this could mean more money for families. - **Comes into effect immediately**: The law started working the day after Parliament approved it (Royal Assent).

🔒 Voting closed — this bill has been decided by parliament